ISD Education Specialist

Make an Impact as an Education Specialist

Under the supervision and direction of the Manager of School Based Programs the Education Specialist will be responsible for the educational component of the ISD Head Start classrooms at multiple classrooms in multiple school districts. Responsibilities include overseeing developmental screenings and the on-going child assessment process; mentor/coaching and teacher training; evaluating classroom environments, and facilitating parent interactions as needed.

Why work for ChildCareGroup?

Founded in 1901, ChildCareGroup’s (CCG) mission is to champion a strong early childhood system that teaches children and parents, trains early childhood professionals, and assists families. ChildCareGroup believes that children do better as their parents do better. When families thrive, communities succeed. ChildCareGroup offers a generous benefits package including Paid Parental Leave, (12) Company Holidays, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision and more!

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Serves as a liaison between ChildCareGroup and Independent School Districts.
• Ensures curriculum fidelity across school districts with the use of multiple curriculums and assessment tools that align with TEA and Office of Head Start requirements.
• Communicates effectively with school district staff and work cooperatively with each school district to meet the educational needs of children and families.
• Ensures that school district staff and CCG staff work collaboratively to meet all requirements of each school district, TEA, ChildCareGroup and Office of Head Start
• Responsible for the professional development of teaching staff.
• Provides ongoing mentoring and coaching for teachers at assigned schools and models effective teaching behavior through demonstration lessons in the classroom.
• Participates in the design and implementation of staff development training based on assessment data, classroom observations, CLASS scores and Office of Head Start, TEA, and best practices. Maintains appropriate documentation of training provided for teachers throughout the school year.
• Provides trainings and updates on applicable federal, state, local program standards, policies, and CCG guidelines that will promote program quality.
• Ensures that each staff member records and maintains required documentation for TEA and Head Start purposes and shares this documentation with the key stakeholders.
• Assists teachers in preparation and completion of the requirements for CDA/CDA renewal or continuing education upon request.
• Provides teacher support for the completion of lesson plans, Child Assessments, Portfolios, Home Visits, Parent Conferences, Transition Folders, etc.
• Assists in training new teachers on the agencys guidelines for implementation of a high-quality early childhood program as outlined in the CCG teacher handbook.
• Responsible for ensuring that best practices for early education are fulfilled in every classroom.
• Ensures that child assessments are conducted in a timely and accurate manner. Responsible for analyzing child assessment data on a classroom and center level and using that information to inform professional development plans.
• Assists with reviewing education records and portfolios of all children in assigned centers quarterly to ensure they are current and compliant (Home Visits, Parent Conference forms, and screening results for all children). Uses this data to inform professional development plans and program practices and policies.
• Assists with ensuring teaching staff adheres to all program timelines as outlined in the CCG Teacher Handbook and Office of Head Start Performance Standards. Facilitates the CLASS observation of each classroom and uses that data to inform professional development and teacher performance reviews.
• Reviews lesson plans for compliance and best practices.
• Conducts classroom observations for monitoring and mentoring.
• Participates as an integral part of the administration team.
• Maintains effective and positive collaborations with the Manager of School Based Programs, ISD program coordinators, and school principals to ensure classroom quality and successful teacher performance and interactions with students.
• Works cooperatively with other component coordinators to plan education services integrated with health, mental health, parent involvement, and social services.
• Participates in staffings as needed to assist children experiencing challenges, serving as the early education expert.
• Attends professional development trainings and conferences for personal and professional growth at least twice per school year.
• Assists in the inventory of and requests for equipment and supplies.
• Communicates regularly with direct service staff and ISD representatives.
• Participates in meetings as requested.
• Shares responsibility of setting up classrooms for daily activities.
• Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in one of the following: Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Family and Human Development Degree with 30 hours of Early Childhood Education.
• At least three (3) years teaching in an early childhood setting required.
• Head Start Experience required.
• At least two (2) years teaching in an Independent School District preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CLASS instrument/training, training early childhood staff/adult learners, CIRCLE assessment tool (preferred).
• Able to complete assignments with limited supervision.
• Able to communicate with a culturally diverse population and work well with families, staff, and others is essential.
• Able to communicate with a variety of stakeholders parents, family advocates, teachers, community leaders, and partnership staff verbally and in writing.
• Must demonstrate leadership ability and the ability to function as a team member.
• Must demonstrate understanding of high quality customer service standards.
• Prompt and regular attendance and dependable making scheduled visits with parents.
• Able to time manage, and conduct multiple tasks.
• High proficiency utilizing computer and database preferred.
• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to uphold ChildCareGroups mission, vision, and core values.

Equipment

• Computer, telephone headset, fax, scanner and all office equipment and general office equipment

Travel and Compliance

• Must have a valid Texas driver's license
• Driving record must comply with CCG's automobile insurance carrier requirements
• Must have liability insurance coverage and reliable personal transportation
• Ability to travel locally or out of town as required
• Mileage reimbursement is offered when applicable
• Must successfully meet all compliance background check requirements for federal funding throughout employment

Physical Demands

• Work requires normal physical effort with minimal lifting requirements of items weighing 25 pounds or less
• Visual attention
• Manual dexterity/coordination

ChildCareGroup is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer